IceCaps Deny Bears
November 10, 2012 - American Hockey League (AHL)
St. John's IceCaps News Release
Derek Meech scored a power play goal in the third period to lift the St. John's IceCaps to an important 2-1 win over the Hershey Bears Saturday night at the Giant Center.
Meech's slapshot from the point, on a nice passing play with Ray Sawada and John Albert, gave the IceCaps the lead at 6:56 of the final period. Perhaps more importantly, from a psychological point of view, Meech's goal came on the power play, breaking a 1-for-42 slump.
Mark Dekanich was not busy but was solid when called upon, making 18 saves on 19 shots to record his fourth win of the season. The loss snapped a two-game losing streak for St. John's and sends the team back home with a 2-3-0-0 record on their five-game road trip. Dany Sabourin made 25 saves for Hershey in the loss.
The IceCaps played a solid road first period, outshooting the Bears 10-8 and showing some good jump in all three zones. The teams finished the first 20 minutes in a scoreless tie.
St. John's got on the board first at 5:18 of the second on a great effort by Eric O'Dell. Meech's point shot was turned aside by Sabourin, but the puck bounced right to O'Dell, who banged home a rebound as he was falling to the ice to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Hershey tied the game late in the second period after forcing an IceCaps turnover on a hard forecheck. Jeff Taffe dug the puck out and Matt Pope grabbed it at the side of the net, centering a pass to Barry Almeida who converted past Dekanich to send the teams to the dressing room tied at one after 40 minutes
St. John's finally broke through on the power play at 6:56 of the third period after a four-minute double minor by Pope for his high-stick on Carl Klingberg. Ray Sawada gained the Bears' zone and dropped the puck to John Albert, who fed the trailer Meech with a tape-to-tape pass, and the blueliner blasted a slap shot past Sabourin.
The IceCaps fought off a late Hershey rush to win their final game on the five-game road trip.
St. John's went 1-for-6 on the power play while Hershey went 0-for-2 with the man advantage.
The IceCaps resume play next Friday and Saturday, November 16 and 17, when they host the Albany Devils at Mile One Centre. Listen Live with broadcaster Brian Rogers at www.stjohnsicecaps.com and 930 AM This Is Newfoundland Labrador or watch online at www.ahllive.com. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. with the pregame show getting underway at 7:00 (all times Newfoundland).
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